Hungarian literary translators’ weekend follows German model

The Association of Hungarian Literary Translators (MEGY (http://www NULL.muforditok NULL.hu/)) organized its sixth annual weekend getaway at a hotel in the picturesque Pilis hills, as close to Budapest as to escape its bustle. Besides professional literary translators, beginners and students as well as amateur translators took part in the programme.

Between Friday and Sunday, lectures, seminars and debates covered a wide range of translation topics including special issues related to song lyrics, theatre dialogues, children’s and young adult fiction, teaching literary translation, presenting good practices, while workshop activities focused on specific texts. One translator with decades of publishing editor’s experience held a presentation on how to recommend our favourite books to a publisher. Keeping in mind the ergonomic side of translation work, a colleague and trained instructor initiated participants in relaxation and yoga.

Inspired by the German translator association VdÜ’s similar event, organizers first adapted the seminal weekend event to Hungary in 2010. Success continues as more Hungarian translators participate every year. Sponsors included the Hungarian Alliance of Reprographic Rights, before reprographic royalties were taken into state control and support was suspended for a year. This year, however, despite a restricted budget, participation costs were kept fairly moderate, with MEGY members, students, pensioners, unemployed and disabled persons all receiving significant price reductions.